Ogun State Gov’t Fined By Court Over Freedom Of Information Act

The Federal High Court in Abeokuta had on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 resume hearing on the Freedom of Information, FOI Act instituted by popular Ogun State businessman, Adekoya Boladale, seeking the court to grant among other things, an order of mandamus on Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the state commissioner for works, Arc. Adegbite Olamilekan and his counterpart in the ministry of finance information on the state debt record and contracts awarded.

Mr. Adekoya had earlier in 2014 requested the court to compel the defendants to declare the said financial information after he had formally written to the defendants through his counsel, Barrister Kotoye.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by the Attorney General Barr Mrs Abimbola Ibironke Akeredolu on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at the proceedings, filed processes wherein they claimed they would not implement the FOI bill in Ogun State and therefore will not grant the request of Mr. Adekoya Boladale.

The court however ordered the state to pay Mr. Adekoya the sum of N30, 000 for lack of coordination. The matter has been adjourned to the Wednesday, November 26, 2014.